Stan Roddahttps://stanrodda.wordpress.com
Life as I know it!Wed, 12 Jul 2017 23:11:47 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.com/https://secure.gravatar.com/blavatar/57c6280dd23251f6eb5cce7041b9f49e?s=96&d=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.wp.com%2Fi%2Fbuttonw-com.pngStan Roddahttps://stanrodda.wordpress.com
Books I Have Read In 2015!https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2015/03/16/books-i-have-read-in-2015/
https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2015/03/16/books-i-have-read-in-2015/#respondTue, 17 Mar 2015 00:39:01 +0000http://stanrodda.wordpress.com/?p=1176]]>It has long been a goal of mine to read 1 book per month for an entire year. Every year I have really great intentions, but never actually get to a place where I intentionally set aside the time to read. I’m learning that I need time for personal development. And so do you. If you aren’t making time, start making the time.

At this point in 2015, 4 books are in my rear view mirror with many more ahead of me. I wanted to share the books that I have read so far this year. This is not intended to be a review of each book, although that might be a great future post, it is simply a list of where I’m at so far and what is immediately in front of me.

I don’t write on my blog too often anymore. Maybe I should, I don’t know. Today is Christmas Day and over the last 12 hours or so, some of my favorite moments have happened. I wanted to tell you about three of them.

1 | Our family tradition is to open presents on Christmas Eve as a family. Last night we followed another tradition of reading Luke 2 together before we opened gifts. After we read Luke 2 together as a family, we accepted the “Silence” challenge from our Christmas Eve service. So I set a timer for 30 seconds and asked all of my family to spend that time in silence. We asked God to give us a fresh experience of Jesus this year. We took the time of silence to seek God and what His will for our lives might be. It was a great moment for all of us and I would encourage you to give it a try in your family.

Be still, and know that I am God! [Psalm 46:10 NLT]

2 | My kids purchased gifts for everyone with their own money. Now, you might be ahead of me on this one. Typically, Misty and I buy our own gifts and then tag the kids on the package. The kids help pick the gifts out, they are a part of the process, etc. This year however, each wanted to be involved at a more sacrificial level. They saved their allowances. They saved birthday money. They worked hard to have money for gifts. Then each took time and went shopping. They picked out gifts for each person in our family. They wrapped them, tagged them and passed them out last night. It was a really great moment to see my kids growing into selfless people. It was fresh for me. I loved it and I loved them. My Grant, Ashton & Avary.

3 | Grant opened a gift from Avary last night. It was a little friendship bracelet made from those little rubber bands. Grant was so appreciative and gave Avary a hug. I thought to myself, “How nice of Avary to make him a little bracelet like that.” A few minutes later Grant walked over to Misty and me and said, “This was already my bracelet.” We laughed and then Avary shouted from the other side of the room, “I found it and thought you lost it. So I saved it and wrapped it.” I died laughing. It might have been the funniest Rodda Christmas moment to date. She did buy him an actual gift, this was just an extra.

These were my three faves from this year’s Christmas so far. What moments from Christmas this year have been your faves? Share below.

]]>https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2014/12/25/my-christmas-faves/feed/0stanroddamerry_christmas_2012-1920x1080Seeking Peace? 2 Paths to Find It!https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2013/06/18/seeking-peace-2-paths-to-find-it/
https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2013/06/18/seeking-peace-2-paths-to-find-it/#respondTue, 18 Jun 2013 15:14:38 +0000http://stanrodda.wordpress.com/?p=1162]]>It started out like any other day. I was in college. Classes began at 0700. Not my favorite way to start a day, but that’s how it was. Midway through the morning the office contacts me saying I have a phone call. I take the call to hear my frantic mother in a panic. My father had been taken to the Emergency Room with severe chest pain.

Three and a half weeks later, he passed away. He never woke up from a surgery designed to save him from the heart aneurism he had experienced. His body shut down and he would never speak to me again. I often wonder if he could hear me as I spoke to him, sense me as I hugged him and reminded him of my love for him.

My world had been flipped into absolute chaos. I was mad at God. I hated God. I wanted to die. I had no idea how to move forward. Without my father, moving on with life didn’t even make any sense. I had been thrust out of a state of perfect contentment. A great college, beautiful girlfriend, wonderful family. All of that shattered in a single phone call.

Some of you may know the feeling.

Your marriage is in a downward spiral. You don’t know what happened. You can’t explain it. But things just aren’t what they used to be.

Your children have pushed you to the edge. You don’t know how it got so out of control, but you think to yourself, “If only we lived in another place, another state, another house with another school, things would be better.”

You lose someone you love unexpectedly. The circumstances might be a fast-acting, terminal cancer, car accident, suicide or any number of other possibilities. Regardless, someone in your life is now no longer there and you have a hole, a gap, in your world.

Your finances have driven you underground. You are so far in debt you can’t even see the light at the end of the tunnel anymore. You have no room for generosity, you’re stressed about how to feed your kids, you have stopped answering phone calls from debt collectors and you’re just hoping to somehow disappear off their radar.

Everyone one of us has a story. A moment when life got messy, chaotic, unpredictable and painful. A story that makes us ask, “How do I get back on my feet again? How do I recover from this? Will I ever have contentment in my life or will it always be this way? How do I experience peace again?”

If this describes you, I want to offer a solution. A path to contentment. A path to solid footing again. A path that blows the “light at the end of the tunnel” out of the water and brings you into direct contact with the Maker of light.

Thank God for the mess and chaos of life. Use those opportunities to seek the will of God and how He might be growing you or preparing you for something bigger and better in life. Read Psalm 136 again and see the times when God’s people could have chosen to give up. We’re reminded even in our worst moments of discontentment, chaos and pain to offer thanks to God for all He has already done. Have the discipline to remember all that God has done for you in the past and to offer an attitude of thankfulness to Him. A heart of thanks turns our attention from ourselves and moves us into a place of peace and contentment. It reminds us that life isn’t about my happiness, but it is about God purifying me into holiness.

Pathway to Peace #2 – Remember God’s Faithfulness!

This is where some discipline is required. In the pain and chaos of life, it can be difficult to see God at work. Our tendency is to assume He has left us for the time being and has moved on to someone else. Maybe He has given up on us or someone else needs Him more badly. Either way, we convince ourselves that if we are going to find peace, to grow our marriage, to heal our pains and to begin to get up on our feet again, it’s all on us. So we put all the pressure on ourselves to make it happen. In doing so, we fail to remember God’s faithfulness. Every verse in Psalm 136 ends with, “His faithful love endures forever.” No matter how far we fall, how unfaithful we are, how bad or deep our hurt is or chaotic life has become, God is the faithful one. We are unfaithful to our God. His love endures forever. He is faithful. If you’re feeling the chaos, it might be time to remember God’s faithfulness.

Near the door stood a man, a little shorter than me. We’ll call him 5’11”. He appeared to be very fit and his shirt even advertised it. It said, “Rogue Fitness!” And then had some added information about kettlebells and who knows what. Honestly, I quit reading after, “Rogue Fitness!”

As usual, I started a conversation with a complete stranger.

“Hey, tell me what Rogue Fitness is all about.”

The conversation from that point was a blur. I know I left with a business card, his name (Matt), the fact that Rogue Fitness was his gym and an offer to come and check it out. He was so excited about his gym, I honestly contemplated checking it out. Until I came back to reality and realized that would cost money. Nevertheless, the fact I won’t be going by, didn’t diminish one glaring fact that was blinding me as I walked to my car.

Why can’t Christians be that excited about their faith?

If I was wearing a church shirt and someone asked me about it, would I have responded that excitedly? I sure hope so.

When given an opportunity like this one, do we jump all over it with the tenacity of a Rogue Fitness Coach?

Do our eyes light up? Do they get really big? Do the veins in our neck stand out a little more? Can people see the passion about your faith when you talk with them? Or does your impression leave them feeling as if they would fall asleep at your church?

God has come across the cosmos and intervened in our world. Given us a mission and purpose. Told us that no matter what happens, we will not fail.

And yet we often times act as if we are scared little dogs, afraid to tell anyone what we believe.

So get out there you Christians. You who claim to be followers of Christ. You who show up on Sunday morning and sing the songs, listen to the message, take the communion and claim to live for and obey Jesus. Get out there and be excited about your faith. When someone is done talking to you, they should feel the excitement and passion pouring out of you. Get excited Christians!

And unlike Rogue Fitness, there isn’t even a membership fee. So you can tell that stranger at Starbucks that it’s all free!

]]>https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2012/09/23/that-moment-when-memories-are-made/feed/2stanroddaTake It Slow!https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2012/09/21/take-it-slow/
https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2012/09/21/take-it-slow/#commentsFri, 21 Sep 2012 15:48:52 +0000http://stanrodda.wordpress.com/?p=1139]]>We are almost always in a rush to get somewhere. Hurry to the next thing. Get to the next place. Do it quickly because I have a “to-do list” a mile long.

But today is my day off. So I slept in a little later than normal. All the way to 7:15 am. Mostly I slept in a little because of my workout last night. I spent some time with the kids before they headed off to school. And when they were off to school, the house was empty and quiet. A great time to simply take it slow and enjoy the beautiful morning.

When my wife returned from taking the kids to school, we decided to go on a run together. I absolutely love the freedom to go on a quick run with my wife. We don’t get to do that together very often, but it’s so much fun when we can. I guess there’s something special about having a hobby you can share with your favorite person on the planet.

The scenery was beautiful; my wife being the #1 source of scenery attraction for me. I’ll just leave that thought there. =) The sun was bright. The temperature was perfect for a run.

It was simply a fantastic morning! I took it slow and I liked it that way.

I do still have things to accomplish today, but what a great start to the day.

So I want to encourage you to take it slow. Find time today to slow down. Evaluate life a bit. Enjoy those closest to you. Take time to enjoy the weather and sunshine. Don’t just rush through it and take it for granted.

Get out there and slow down!

]]>https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2012/09/21/take-it-slow/feed/1stanroddaHow many blogs do I really need?https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2012/09/16/how-many-blogs-do-i-really-need/
https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2012/09/16/how-many-blogs-do-i-really-need/#respondMon, 17 Sep 2012 00:13:13 +0000http://stanrodda.wordpress.com/?p=98]]>It’s becoming increasingly apparent to me that when it comes to blogging, I really don’t know what I’m doing. Oh well. It’s all in fun and for people I know to be able to keep up with things in my life.

All that said, I started another blog. Not sure why. I probably could have just added the posts here, but I didn’t want to cramp my style.

I decided to journal my CrossFit journey. What workouts I do and when. Time results. Nutrition and more.

There you have it. Another Stan Rodda blog. The world is so much better now.

]]>https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2012/09/16/how-many-blogs-do-i-really-need/feed/0stanroddaAshton is 8!https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2012/09/13/ashton-is-8/
https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2012/09/13/ashton-is-8/#commentsThu, 13 Sep 2012 14:32:17 +0000http://stanrodda.wordpress.com/?p=88]]>There are moments in life when words don’t seem to do justice to what is going on around you. Something beautiful or tragic can’t seem to be expressed in the right words. Your brain struggles to find the right language, vocabulary or term. Something about every word that comes to mind just doesn’t seem to fit quite right. Kind of like trying to force the wrong puzzle piece into place.

That’s where I’m at with Ashton’s 8th birthday.

Ashton in the dugout!

He is unbelievably handsome (I would say cute but he might get upset with me). His eyes can put you in a trance. Stare into them and they keep going deeper and deeper.

He is very smart. This he takes after his mother in for sure. His reading level was tested before 1st grade and he was already reading beyond a 6th grade level. And he is in the gifted program for math. He makes us feel very proud as parents.

He is in touch with his little emotions. He cries at sweet commercials. His heart hurts for people who are getting picked on. He is so compassionate to those around him.

He is energetic. If you ask the question, you might need to prepare for a 30 or 40 minute, dissertation on the topic. Just like the Energizer bunny, he can keep on going.

But these are all a few basic characteristics and words that come to mind. If you get to know him more, words will begin to escape you. The words don’t seem to have been invented yet for the kid we call, Ashton James Rodda. He’s just himself. He is who he is. And boy, do we like him that way.

Happy 8th Birthday, Ashton James Rodda!

I love you, Son!

Ashton’s 8th Birthday!

]]>https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2012/09/13/ashton-is-8/feed/2stanroddaAshtonAshton's 8th BirthdayThe Book of Joel?https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2012/09/12/the-book-of-joel/
https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2012/09/12/the-book-of-joel/#respondWed, 12 Sep 2012 13:00:36 +0000http://stanrodda.wordpress.com/?p=78]]>Who would have thought? Inspiration from a small, Old Testament book, that goes by the name of the prophet, Joel.

I am reading through the Bible in one year. Currently I am well over halfway done, but still in the Old Testament. I will admit that there are some Old Testament books that I get to and honestly think, “What can I possibly get out of what this book has to say? I mean, it’s so…well…old.”

And today I find myself landing in a short, three-chapter, book by a prophet named Joel. First thought, “Here we go again.” Not very encouraging coming from the “pastor.”

But if there’s something in a small book like Joel that can benefit us today, God can certainly show us where. So I prayed before I began to read, “God, please show me what you want me to see in this book. Whatever it is, let me see it clearly.” And wouldn’t you know it, clear as day, Joel 2:12, 13 popped off the page and smacked me in the face.

That is why the Lord says, ‘Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.’ Return to the Lord your God, for He is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.

There it was.

Popping off the page.

God wants more than my outward show.

You see, we all can be good at putting on a show for everyone. We are fantastic at convincing people we are one way, when on the inside we are another. We can show up at church, but internally not allow it to impact us in any way.

God is not interested in the outward show (tearing our clothes in grief). When the Bible says that, we would need to hear, “Don’t come to Me (God) just by looking like it on the outside. Don’t show up at church and pretend to be coming to Me.”

God is interested in the internal happenings (tear your heart). What we need to hear is, “God wants more than the outward show of religion. God isn’t interested in your record for most Sundays attended in a row. God is interested in whether or not your heart is fully, completely, 100%, turned, focused and aimed toward Him. Am I fully surrendered to the God of the universe?

I can be the master of this. Putting on my show for everyone to see. Making it appear that everything between God and I is okay, when internally, God and I are experiencing tension. Tension over whether or not He can have all of me.

Guess Joel is urging me to continually lay down the stuff I want in life and to turn my heart completely to God. Time to give up the tension and allow God to have His way.

Have you ever experienced that tension?

Am I way off?

]]>https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2012/09/12/the-book-of-joel/feed/0stanroddaRemembering September 11th!https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2012/09/11/remembering-september-11th/
https://stanrodda.wordpress.com/2012/09/11/remembering-september-11th/#respondTue, 11 Sep 2012 20:29:46 +0000http://stanrodda.wordpress.com/?p=82]]>It was a day I will never forget. A day none of us will ever forget.

A day of terror.

Of shock.

Of pain.

Of death.

In the midst of all that, heroes emerged.

Firefighters rushing into the heart of death to save lives.

Passengers taking over a flight to save hundreds of lives, but sacrifice their own.

A nation coming together regardless of their differences.

It was a day when darkness and light collided.

Thank you to all of you who were the light!

You are what makes this an amazing nation to live in and be a part of.